Coed Tal-y-bont

The forest sprawls across hillside above Tywyn like something from a fairy tale, all towering conifers and dappled light filtering through the canopy. Coed Tal-y-bont isn't the sort of place you stumble upon accidentally - you have to want to get there - but that's precisely what makes it worth the effort.

It's a proper working forest, managed by Forestry England, with a decent network of trails threading through the trees at varying difficulty. The paths are well-maintained and clearly marked, ranging from gentle woodland strolls to steeper climbs that'll get your heart pumping. On a clear day, you're rewarded with views across the Cardigan Bay area that make the uphill slog entirely worthwhile.

History types will appreciate that you're walking through managed woodland with real purpose - this isn't just pretty scenery, it's an active timber resource. Families with younger kids might find an hour or so sufficient before boredom sets in, but serious walkers could happily spend half a day exploring the various routes.

The great news is access is free. Come early to secure parking, particularly on weekends. Spring brings the forest alive with bluebells; autumn offers dramatic colour changes. Winter can be muddy underfoot, so decent boots are essential year-round.

Staying at either Cae Du Campsite or the five-star Gwynedd Holiday Home Park puts you within easy striking distance. This works brilliantly as a morning or afternoon excursion before settling back at your caravan for tea.